Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 62314 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62314 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
There, I said it.
“Oh, they’ll know,” Colton added. “Because I won’t be able to stop smiling.” He grinned, and my heart melted.
“Do you need me to look at your bite?” Audrey asked. “I should probably dress the wound.”
I shook my head. “No, it’s good,” I whispered, then shoved cake in my mouth. The lemon flavor was just right, and the sponge was moist. The frosting cut the tang, and I was pleased.
“You’re both here to stay?” Rob asked, taking a swig of his coffee.
Colton looked to me. “I’ve got papers to deal with. Some red tape. But yeah.”
“I’m going to finish school. Somewhere,” I added, so they all knew I didn’t plan to spend the next year in LA.
Colton nodded. “We’ll get here. Soon.”
“Good.” That was the extent of Rob’s enthusiasm about our moving to the ranch, but I was used to him being cool with his emotions. “We’ve got a barn to repair.”
I set my fork down. “I can help with that. The barn’s old so it wasn’t made with pre-fab trusses. I can work with the contractors to ensure the roof not only meets code but can withstand a hurricane.”
Rob looked to me, studied me quietly, but I could tell he was thinking. “There aren’t any hurricanes in Montana, but it would be best to rebuild as sturdy as possible. We’ll be sure to include you when we start the rebuild.”
I glanced at Colton, and he gave me a small nod. Maybe my engineering knowledge could be beneficial. I didn’t want to make a career of it, but it felt good to be useful.
“This cake is delicious, Marina. Can you bake me one for my birthday next month?” Johnny asked.
Colton growled, but Johnny was undeterred.
“Sure. What’s your favorite kind?”
“Chocolate.”
“My favorite,” Audrey said. “Clint, cut me another piece.” She pushed her plate into the center of the table.
“Why didn't you tell me that’s your favorite? I wouldn’t have made lemon poppy seed.”
Audrey looked at me and rolled her eyes. “Every flavor is my favorite. And since I’m eating for two, I get a double helping. Forget engineering, bake.”
No one argued with the pregnant woman. Clint pushed the plate back toward her with a huge chunk from the bottom tier. She turned to look at Boyd, fork raised as he dared to argue.
He held up his hands. “Whatever my girls want.”
I tugged on her arm to make her turn my way. “Girls? You know you’re having a girl?”
Audrey shook her head and shoved a piece of cake in her mouth. “No. Way too early to tell,” she said as she chewed. “He thinks we are.”
“We are,” Boyd replied, adamant.
Colton chuckled as he took a sip of his coffee. Boyd glared at him, then pointed. “You wait, brother. Your turn’s coming.”
Colton looked my way, and I got a little lost in his dark gaze. “Can’t wait.”
I’d made it clear I wasn’t ready for kids, but the way he stared at me and the way my body tingled in response, and the idea of carrying his baby, made me think sooner than later.
“Also, I can’t wait to try your famous chocolate chip banana bread.”
“I’ll make some for you today,” I promised.
“Boyd got a text this morning from Shefield’s niece,” Rob said, changing the subject. Boyd nodded. “Natalie Shefield. She’s coming out.”
“Not to sell the place?” Colton asked.
“No,” Rob said grimly. “To live. By herself.”
“Why do you sound disgruntled about that?” I asked, confused. I knew nothing about the niece who inherited the ranch next door other than what Colton had told me, but I knew she’d be in the middle of a mess with Jett Markle and the entire Wolf family. The way Colton had spoken about Mr. Shefield, I knew they’d watch out for her.
Rob just shook his head. “I don’t like the idea of a single woman living down there by herself. She sounds young. Probably pretty. I just see trouble, especially with Markle.”
I managed not to roll my eyes over the probably pretty part. “Well, you all will look after her, I’m sure.”
“Yeah.” Rob scrubbed a hand across his face and stood from the table. And then I thought he muttered, “That’s the trouble.”
I shot a glance at Colton, but he just shrugged. I had to hope Rob would warm up to her… or anyone. Only time would tell. In the meantime, Colton and I had some planning to do. About the rest of our lives.
He winked, as if he could read my mind.
I couldn’t wait.